TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Heat Pipe Reactor Fire Mitigation and Suppression System

Los Alamos National Laboratory is offering a licensing opportunity for its Heat Pipe Reactor Fire Mitigation and Suppression System, a technology that converts heat pipes in alkali‑metal‑cooled nuclear reactors into active fire‑defense components. The system incorporates inert‑gas buffers, phase‑change material jackets, multi‑point suppressant injection, and optional neutron‑absorber dispersion to automatically protect reactors from fire‑related hazards. It is targeted at developers of micro‑reactors, small modular reactors, space‑based power systems, and other advanced nuclear applications seeking integrated safety solutions without redesigning core architecture. • Provides automated, sensor‑driven fire suppression within milliseconds. • Offers dual‑purpose phase‑change jacket for thermal storage and fire retardancy. • Enables coupled fire suppression and reactor shutdown via neutron‑absorber release. • Applicable to nuclear energy, remote power generation, space power, industrial process heat, and marine propulsion markets. • Technology is at TRL 3 and covered by U.S. Patent No. 12,640,276.